Cellular phone configured with off-board device capabilities and starter/charger and battery testing capabilities

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward a cellular phone that connects to an existing vehicle data link to perform the functions of an off-board device, such as a scan tool, for displaying diagnostic information relating to vehicles. In addition, the cellular phone connects to a starter/charger system and/or a battery to perform the functions of a starter/charger/battery testing device. Such a device allows a user to connect the cellular phone to a data link connector located in a vehicle, download software to either an adaptor or the cellular phone, retrieve information relating to diagnostic tests on the vehicle and view the results on the cellular phone display, and/or communicate the results to another person or device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical testingequipment, and, more particularly, to a cellular phone configured toconnect to a vehicle diagnostic system to perform the functions of anoff-board device, such as a scan tool, for retrieving and viewingdiagnostic information relating to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Modem vehicles typically have a vehicle diagnostic system,including one or more separate computer control modules. Examples ofsuch computer control modules (also known as just “modules”) are: apowertrain control module (PCM), an engine control module (ECM), atransmission control module (TCM), an ABS control module, and an air bagcontrol module.

[0003] “Off-board devices,” such as scan tools and code readers areknown in the art. Scan tool and code reader testing devices interfacewith vehicle diagnostic systems to, e.g., access, display, and/or printvehicle diagnostic information. OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics version II)Scan Tools are one commonly known type of scan tool and are governed bya number of standards, e.g., SAE J1978 Rev. 1998-02 and SAE J1979 Rev.1997-09. Scan tools are relatively expensive diagnostic devices thathave a relatively large number of features and are typically marketed toprofessional automobile mechanics and service stations. Scan tools aregenerally considered to be beyond the means of most automobile hobbyistsand the ordinary individual interested in performing simple maintenanceor service of a few vehicles, such as a family “fleet” of vehicles.

[0004] There are different types of scan tools. An “OBD II Scan Tool”complies with the above-identified specifications. By contrast, a“Manufacturer-Specific Scan Tool” is a scan tool that accesses anddisplays proprietary manufacturer-specific data (and possibly alsoadditionally accesses and displays OBD II data). Examples include DeviceControls on General Motors, On-Demand Tests in Ford, Actuator Tests,Sensor Tests, Interrogator, and Read Temporary Codes in Chrysler. Ingeneral, air bag data, ABS data, cruise control data, and climatecontrol data are also considered to be proprietary manufacturer-specificdata and are typically included only in Manufacturer-Specific ScanTools.

[0005] An “off-board device” that is a low-cost alternative to the scantool is a “code reader.” In 1998 Actron Manufacturing Corp., theassignee of the present invention, pioneered the first OBD II codereader. In contrast with a scan tool, a code reader is a relativelybasic “off-board device” that links with one or more computer modules ina vehicle diagnostic system via a vehicle computer network, reads anydiagnostic trouble codes (also referred to as just “diagnostic codes”herein) asserted by those vehicle diagnostic systems, and displays anydiagnostic codes on a display. Typical code readers do not perform thefollowing major functions that are performed by typical scan tools:“View Data,” also known as “Live Data,” “Data,” and “Data Test, DTC”(viewing and displaying in real-time live, changing data from aplurality of module sensors), display of textual diagnosis descriptionscorresponding to the various diagnostic codes, recording and playback ofdata, device control (manually controlling modules for diagnosticpurposes), and reading and displaying vehicle information from thevehicle's computer (e.g., VIN information, controller calibrationidentification number, etc.). Code readers are typically marketed toautomobile hobbyists and non-professionals who are merely curious aboutwhat codes the various vehicle diagnostic systems have stored in theirmemories.

[0006] Off-board devices typically do not include test circuits. Ratheroff-board devices, such as scan tools and code readers, typicallycommunicate with the vehicle diagnostic system, which does typicallyinclude one or more test circuits. Thus, typical off-board devices donot perform any tests themselves; with few exceptions (e.g., the NGSscan tool with its harness tester, “sensor simulation”), off-boarddevices merely report the results of tests performed by test circuitryexternal to the off-board device.

[0007] One expense involved in manufacturing scan tools is the costs ofthe parts, such as the processor, circuit boards, display, housing andinput keys. Another expense associated with scan tools is the softwarethat needs to be installed on the device. There are many different makesand models of automobiles, many of which have specialized codes anderror messages. In addition, since vehicle manufacturers add newequipment, codes and faults, it is often necessary to update thesoftware to include the new codes and faults every time a new model yearis introduced. Further, most scan tools are equipped to handle thecommunications protocols and error/fault messages of most, if not all,of the vehicles on the market. This requires the scan tool to store alarge number of error/fault codes and many different communicationsprotocols. As a result, the cost of the scan tool is beyond the reach ofthe average back yard mechanic, who only has one or two automobiles.

[0008] Cellular phones are commonplace in today's society and haveprocessors, circuit boards, displays, housings and input keys. Further,most cellular phone service providers offer free cellular phones topeople who sign a contract to use the provider's service for a minimalperiod of time, generally two years. At the end of the two yearcontract, most people simply discard the old cellular phone and obtain anew cellular phone with a new contract. Further due to economies ofscales, cellular phones have become inexpensive and common place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed toward a cellular phone thatconnects to an existing vehicle data link to perform the functions of anoff-board device, such as a scan tool, for displaying diagnosticinformation relating to vehicles. In addition, the cellular phoneconnects to a starter/charger system or a battery to perform thefunctions of a starter/charger/battery testing device.

[0010] Such a device allows a user to connect the cellular phone to adata link connector located in a vehicle, and/or astarter/charger/battery system via an adaptor, download software toeither the adaptor or the cellular phone, retrieve information relatingto diagnostic tests on the vehicle and/or diagnostic tests on thestarter/charger system and view the results on the cellular phonedisplay, and/or communicate the results to another person or device.

[0011] The present invention provides a low cost portable off-boarddevice for viewing and/or recording live data, for example vehicleemissions testing station (VETS) data, diagnosing faults and/or errorsin vehicle computer systems that allows a user to download the requirederror and/or fault codes that are specific to the year, make and modelof one or more automobiles, or upload the data to remote location forinterpretation of the information received from the vehicle diagnosticsystem.

[0012] The present invention provides a low cost portable off-boarddevice for testing the emissions output of a vehicle and transmittingthe data to an inspection & maintenance station wherein the inspectorcan test vehicle emissions and transmit the test results to theinspection station location apart from the inspection station.

[0013] The present invention further allows the user to diagnoseerrors/faults in the vehicle and transport the diagnostic results to anautomotive parts supplier, who can assist the user in obtaining thenecessary parts to correct the cause of the fault/error, or upload theinformation to a centralized station for detailed analysis.

[0014] Still yet, the present invention allows a user to update thesoftware in a location remote from a computer.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a low costportable off-board device that does not require scanning software,wherein the off-board device gathers the raw diagnostic information andcommunicates the information to a centralized station to be analyzed.

[0016] The present invention further provides a low coststarter/charger/battery testing device.

[0017] These and other advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent from a detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein andconstitute a part of this specification, embodiments of the inventionare illustrated, which, together with a general description of theinvention given above, and the detailed description given below, serveto example the principles of this invention, wherein:

[0019]FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a cellular phone connected to anexisting vehicle data link via an adaptor in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a cellular phone connected to abattery via an adaptor in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a typical cellular phonein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 3A is a high level block diagram of an adaptor in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 3B is a high level block diagram of an adaptor in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a cellular phone connected to anexisting vehicle data link via a cradle adaptor in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 4B is a schematic view of a cellular phone connected to abattery via a cradle adaptor in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a cellular phone connected to avehicle computer module in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0027]FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the present invention illustrating acentral computer and phone line for transmitting signals to andreceiving signals from a cellular phone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In general, the present invention includes an adaptor thatinterfaces between a cellular phone having a processor and an existingvehicle data link connector. The existing vehicle data link is connectedto a vehicle diagnostic system. The adaptor places the processor of thecellular phone in circuit communication with the vehicle diagnosticsystem.

[0029] “Circuit communication” as used herein indicates a communicativerelationship between devices. Direct electrical, electromagnetic, andoptical connections and indirect electrical, electromagnetic, andoptical connections are examples of circuit communication. Two devicesare in circuit communication if a signal from one is received by theother, regardless of whether the signal is modified by some otherdevice. For example, two devices separated by one or more of thefollowing—amplifiers, filters, transformers, optoisolators, digital oranalog buffers, analog integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiberoptic transceivers, Bluetooth communications links, 802.11b, or evensatellites—are in circuit communication if a signal from one iscommunicated to the other, even though the signal is modified by theintermediate device(s). As another example, an electromagnetic sensor isin circuit communication with a signal if it receives electromagneticradiation from the signal. As a final example, two devices not directlyconnected to each other, but both capable of interfacing with a thirddevice, e.g., a CPU, are in circuit communication.

[0030] As discussed earlier, most modern vehicles have one or morecomputer modules that are linked together along a common data bus. Themodules and common data bus together form the vehicle diagnostic system.Vehicles equipped with vehicle diagnostic systems generally have a datalink connector located in the occupant compartment of the vehicle,however data link connectors can be located anywhere on the vehicle. Thedata link connector is connected to the vehicle diagnostic system. Thepurpose of the data link connector is to facilitate the connection of ascan tool that can be used to read the error/fault codes that aregenerated by the vehicle computer modules.

[0031]FIG. 1A illustrates a scan tool 100 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The scan tool 100 includes acellular phone 101, a DLC adaptor 130, and a data link connector (DLC)126 all in circuit communication with the existing vehicle diagnosticsystem via the existing vehicle data link connecter 128.

[0032] The cellular phone 101, as will be described in more detailbelow, includes a housing 102, an antenna 104, a display 106, aplurality of input keys 108, and an interface port 220 (FIG. 2). Theinterface port 220 can be any type of communications interface port,such as a serial port, a USB port, an infrared port, an RS 232 port, aport that is proprietary to the manufacturer of the cellular phone 101,or any other conventional communications port. Preferably the cellularphone 101 has a USB port (not shown) and is connected to the DLC adaptor130 via a USB connector 120 and cable 122. The DLC adaptor 130 isconnected to the existing vehicle data link connector 128 via a DLC 126and cable 124.

[0033] Preferably the cellular phone is a compact hand held cellularphone, for example a Motorola cellular phone that is approximately 2″wide by 3½″ long by 1″ deep. Preferably the cellular phone has inputkeys 108 arranged in the configuration of a standard phone containing atleast ten keys, 0-9, and preferably arranged in four rows. The first rowcontaining keys 1, 2 and 3; the second row containing keys 4, 5, and 6;the third row containing keys 7, 8, and 9; and the fourth row containingkey 0. Alternatively the input keys can be represented by a graphicaldisplay. The graphical display can be a touch screen display andactivated by pressing on the screen, or displayed on a conventionaldisplay and activated by scrolling around the screen using other inputkeys.

[0034] Similarly, FIG. 1B illustrates a starter/charger tester 110 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention and is shownconnected to a battery 150. Just as above, the starter/charger tester110 includes a cellular phone 101, a test circuit adaptor 133, and inaddition the starter/charger tester 110 includes a cable 140, and clips142A and 142B. Preferably cable 140 and clips 142 provide a Kelvin typeconnection between the adaptor 133 and the battery 150. A Kelvin typeconnection is a four (4) wire connection, wherein two wires areconnected to each terminal of the battery. The test circuit adaptor 133,described in more detail below, cable 140 and clips 142A, 142B place thecellular phone in circuit communications with the battery 150.

[0035] Preferably, in addition to testing the battery, thestarter/charger system tester is capable of testing the alternator andthe starter motor of a vehicle. A typical starter/charger system testeris fully described in Actron's co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.09/813,104 entitled Handheld Tester for Starting/Charging Systems, andActron's copending continuation application also entitled HandheldTester for Stating/Charging Systems, which are incorporated herein intheir entirety.

[0036]FIG. 2 illustrates a typical cellular phone. The cellular phone101 includes a display 106, at least one input device 210, memory 215,an interface port 220, a speaker 240, a microphone 235, and an antenna104, all in circuit communications with at least one processor 230.Typically the display 106 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), however thedisplay can be one or more of virtually any type of display, e.g.,textual displays (such as n character by m line LCD or plasma displays,etc.), binary displays (such as LEDs, lamps, etc.), graphical displays(such as LCD displays that can display text and bar graphs and thelike), etc.

[0037] The input device 210 can be any number of different inputsdevices, including, but not limited to, one or more keys 108 (FIG. 1), athumb wheel (not shown) that permits a user to quickly scroll through alist of options, a four-direction cursor controller, a touch screen, avoice activated input, or any combination thereof. The memory 215permits the user to store information, such as names and phone numbers,that do not get erased when the battery is removed from the phone forshort periods of time, and permits the cellular phone service providerto update the programming as required. The cellular phone 101 has atelecommunications circuit 225 for establishing a connection to acellular tower and transmitting and receiving data via the antenna 104.The speaker 240 and the microphone 235 are shown connected to theprocessor, however, the speaker 240 and microphone 235 are oftenconnected to the telecommunications circuit 225. Data representing ahuman voice is transmitted to the speaker 240 by either thetelecommunications circuit 225 or the processor 230, wherein the data iscommunicated to a user in human hearable form. The microphone 235transmits data representing a human voice to either thetelecommunications circuit 225 or the processor 230. Data representing ahuman voice is transmitted/received by the telecommunications circuit225 to/from a remote location.

[0038] In addition, the cellular phone has an interface port 220. Theinterface port 220 permits the user to connect the cellular phone 101 toother devices, such as a computer, in order to perform functions such asdownloading new programming information, downloading sound bites, andconnecting other peripheral devices. As discussed above, the interfaceport 220 can be any communications port.

[0039]FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of an adaptor in accordancewith the present invention. The DLC adaptor 130 for use with the cellphone 101 as an off-board device includes communications circuitry 315and interface circuitry 305 in circuit communication with a processor320. The processor circuit 320, also referred to herein as justprocessor 320, may be one of virtually any number of processor systemsand/or stand-alone processors, such as microprocessors,microcontrollers, and digital signal processors, and has associatedtherewith, either internally therein or externally in circuitcommunication therewith, associated RAM, ROM, EPROM, clocks, decoders,memory controllers, and/or interrupt controllers, etc. (all not shown)known to those in the art to be needed to implement a processor circuit.The processor is in communication with the communications circuit 315.The communications circuitry 315, and interface circuitry 305 are showninside the DLC adaptor 130 for convenience purposes only and it shouldbe obvious to one skilled in the art that the circuitry could be locatedoutside the DLC adaptor 130 in a number of convenient locations.

[0040] The communications circuit 315 generates one or morecommunications protocols with which the cellular phone 101 and thevehicle computer network communicate with one-another. Thecommunications circuit 315 can be implemented either in hardware, or insoftware, or in a combination of hardware and software. Typicalcommunications protocols generated by the communication circuit 315include but are not limited to: SAE J1850 (VPM), SAE J1850 (PWM), ISO9141-2, and ISO 14230-4 (“Keyword 2000”). The present invention is notintended to be limited to any specific communications protocol, or evento electrical communications protocols. Other present and futureprotocols, such as fiber optic, ISO 15765-4, MS CAN, HS CAN and wirelesscommunications protocols such as Bluetooth protocols and 802.11bprotocols, are also contemplated as being within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

[0041] The interface circuitry 305 permits the DLC adaptor 130 to beconnected to the interface port 220 of the cellular phone. As notedearlier, the interface port 220 of the cellular phone can be any type ofcommunications interface port, such as a serial port, a USB port, aninfrared port, an RS 232 port, an Ethernet port, a port that isproprietary to the manufacturer of the cellular phone 101, or any otherconventional communications port or wireless link, such as Bluetoothcommunications link. The interface circuitry 305 of the DLC adaptor 130facilitates the connection of the interface port 220 with the DLCadaptor 130.

[0042] The DLC adaptor 130 includes memory 321 that is separate from theprocessor, but is in circuit communications with the processor.Preferably the memory is random access memory RAM. The DLC adaptor 130can contain the scan tool software, error/fault codes, communicationsprotocols etc. and simply communicate to the results of the diagnostictests in a format corresponding to the diagnostic information to thecellular phone 101 for display. On the other hand, the function of theDLC adaptor 130 can be as simple as a communications translator, whereinthe cellular phone 101 generates the communications protocol, transmitsthe communications to the DLC adaptor 130 via the interface port 220,e.g. a USB port, the DLC adaptor 130 receives the communications andpasses the communications over a data link connector (DLC) 126 to thevehicle diagnostic system.

[0043] The DLC adaptor 130 as described above is a relativelyintelligent DLC adaptor 130. The functions described above, however, canbe performed in cellular phone circuitry, modified in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention. Thus the adaptor could be assimple as a cable to place the cellular phone in circuit communicationswith the vehicle diagnostic system, or eliminated entirely by usingwireless communications.

[0044] Further, the adaptor circuitry need not be in a separate deviceand can be built into the cellular phone wherein the user simply needsto connect the cellular phone to the existing vehicle data link. Thus,an unintelligent adaptor could be used, wherein the unintelligentadaptor merely consists of a cable with a connector on each end. One ofthe connectors connects to the cellular phone, and one connector, suchas a DLC connector connects to the vehicle diagnostic system. Inaddition, vehicle manufacturers may eliminate the data link connectorslocated in the occupant compartment, and replace the data link connectorwith a wireless communications. It is within the spirit and scope ofthis invention that the cellular phone 101 can be connected to thevehicle diagnostic system by a wireless communications port.

[0045]FIG. 3B illustrates a test circuit adaptor 133 in accordance withthe present invention. Preferably the test circuit adaptor 133, for usewith the cell phone 101 as a starter/charger system tester, comprisesinterface circuitry 305, a processor 320 and memory 321 as describedabove, and further includes an electronic test circuit 350 all incircuit communication. Preferably the starter/charger system tester isconfigured to test at least one of a starter motor, a battery and analternator in a vehicle.

[0046] The test circuit adaptor 133, shown in FIG. 3B, preferablyincludes an electronic test circuit 350 that tests the starting/chargingsystem (not shown). The test circuit 350 preferably includes a discretetest circuit 360 in circuit communication with an associated processor320. In the alternative, the test circuit 350 can consist of discretetest circuit 360 without an associated processor circuit. Additionalinformation relating to the function of the test circuit can be found inActron's co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/813,104 entitledHandheld Tester for Starting/Charging Systems, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety.

[0047] The interface circuitry 305 permits the test circuit adaptor 133to be connected to the interface port 220 of the cellular phone. Asnoted earlier, the interface port 220 of the cellular phone can be anytype of communications interface port, such as a serial port, a USBport, an infrared port, an RS 232 port, an Ethernet port, a port that isproprietary to the manufacturer of the cellular phone 101, or any otherconventional communications port or wireless link, such as Bluetoothcommunications link. The interface circuitry 305 of the test circuitadaptor 133 facilitates the connection of the interface port 220 withthe test circuit adaptor 133.

[0048] The test circuit adaptor 133 includes memory 321 that is separatefrom the processor, but is in circuit communications with the processor.Preferably the memory is random access memory RAM. Preferably, the testcircuit adaptor 133 contains the starter/charger test circuitry andexecutable code to diagnose the starter/charger system and simplycommunicate the results of the diagnostic tests in a format suitable forviewing on the cellular phone display 106. Alternatively, the cellularphone 101 can contain executable code to diagnose the starter/chargersystem and receive raw data from the test circuit adaptor 133 anddisplay the results on the display 106. In addition, as will bediscussed in more detail below, the starter/charger system and/orbattery test results can be communicated to a second location via thecellular phone telecommunications circuit 225.

[0049] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A is similar to thatdescribed in relation to FIG. 1A. The cellular phone 101 is in circuitcommunication with the vehicle diagnostic system (not shown) via vehicledata link connector 128, DLC 126, cable 124, and a cradle adaptor 405.The cradle adaptor 405 includes the circuitry described above inrelation to the DLC adaptor 130 and the cradle adaptor 405 is configuredto receive the cellular phone 101. The cradle adaptor 405 has a matingport 410 configured to interface with the cellular phone interface port220 (FIG. 2). The mating port 410 can be any conventional mating port,such as a USB port, an RS 232 port, a serial port, an infrared port, oreven a proprietary port, that is capable of connecting the cradleadaptor 405 to the cellular phone 101 and placing the processor 230(FIG. 2) of the cellular phone 101 in circuit communications with thecradle adaptor 405. In most cases the cellular phone simply sits in thecradle adaptor 405 in order to establish communication with the cradleadaptor 405. In other cases the cellular phone needs to be pushed downinto the cradle adaptor 405 so that the interface port 220 (FIG. 2)connects to the mating port 410.

[0050] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B is similar to thatdescribed in relation to FIG. 1B. The cellular phone 101 is in circuitcommunication with the vehicle starter/charger system and/or the batteryvia cable 140, clips 142A and 142B, and a cradle adaptor 407. The cradleadaptor 407 includes the circuitry described above in relation to thetest circuit adaptor 133 and the cradle adaptor 407 is configured toreceive the cellular phone 101. The cradle adaptor 407 has a mating port412 configured to interface with the cellular phone interface port 220(FIG. 2). The mating port 412 can be any conventional mating port, suchas a USB port, an RS 232 port, a serial port, an infrared port, or evena proprietary port, that is capable of connecting the cradle adaptor 407to the cellular phone 101 and placing the processor 230 (FIG. 2) of thecellular phone 101 in circuit communications with the cradle adaptor407. In most cases the cellular phone simply sits in the cradle adaptor407 in order to establish communication with the cradle adaptor 407. Inother cases the cellular phone needs to be pushed down into the cradleadaptor 407 so that the interface port 220 (FIG. 2) connects to themating port 412.

[0051] The adaptors have been described herein in separate embodiments,however, one adaptor can be configured to provide an interface betweenthe cellular phone and both the vehicle diagnostic system and thestarter/charger system. Further, it is also within the spirit and scopeof the invention for the adaptor to have a cable to connect to thevehicle diagnostic system and a cable to connect to thestarter/charger/battery system. Furthermore, it is also contemplatedthat the adaptor be configured with one connector for use withinterchangeable leads, such that a first cable can be releasablyconnected to the adaptor to place the adaptor in circuit communicationwith the vehicle diagnostic system, and a second cable can be releasablyconnected to the adaptor to place the adaptor in circuit communicationwith the starter/charger system, or a battery.

[0052] Further, one embodiment provides for automatically detectingwhich cable is connected to the device, and automatically performing thecorrect testing function based on the type of cable connected to thedevice. Additional information relating to the interchangeable leads andauto-detection of the leads can be found in Actron's copending patentapplication 09/813,104, Handheld Tester for Starting/Charging Systems,which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0053]FIG. 5 illustrates one more embodiment of the present invention.The cellular phone 101 is similar to the cellular phones describedabove. In this embodiment, the cellular phone communicates directly witha vehicle computer module 510. The cellular phone 101 does not requirean adaptor to communicate with the vehicle computer module. Thecommunications circuit could be facilitated through a number of standardconnections, such as a USB port (not shown) on the cellular phone 101 toa serial port (not shown) on the vehicle computer module. The type ofconnection between the cellular phone 101 and the vehicle computermodule is immaterial in this embodiment so long as the communicationslink is established. In this respect, while the illustration depicts thecommunications circuit as a cable 505, the communications circuit canestablished in any of the methods discussed above.

[0054] The operation of one embodiment of the present invention isdescribed in relation to FIG. 6. A central computer system 600 isinstalled up in a remote location. A central computer system isdescribed herein; however, a plurality of remote computers that may ormay not be linked together are included in the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The remote computers can be stand alone computers orcomputers and system used by parts suppliers at various locations. Thecomputer system 600 is a conventional computer system and includes akeyboard 615 and a monitor 610 in circuit communication with a CPU and amodem (not shown) that are located in an enclosure 605. It should beobvious to one skilled in the art that the modem is not required and thesame function can be obtained using a network connection to theinternet. The modem is connected to a phone line 630, which throughswitching stations (not shown) and other various devices is capable ofcommunicating through one or more cellular towers 640, permitting theCPU to be in circuit communication with a cellular phone 101.

[0055] A user purchases a DLC adaptor 130 that is suitable for use withthe cellular phone 101 that he/she plans on using in conjunction withDLC adaptor 130 to form the scan tool 100. After purchasing the DLCadaptor 130 the user opens the packaging and dials a phone number thatis provided along with an access code in the instruction manual (notshown). The phone number connects the user to the central computersystem 600 where the user is prompted to enter the access code and thenselect the year, make and model of one or more vehicles that he/shedesires to view the vehicle diagnostic information. After receiving therequired information, the computer system 600 communicates scan toolsoftware, including the proper communications protocol and error/faultcodes, for the identified vehicle to the cellular phone 101. Thecellular phone 101 stores the downloaded software in its memory 215.

[0056] In the alternative, the software package can be downloaded to theDLC adaptor 130 and stored in the memory of the DLC adaptor 130, or in acombination of both the memory in the cellular phone 101 as well as thememory of the DLC adaptor 130.

[0057] In addition, the complete software packages can be distributed toa third party, such as a parts supplier, who could identify the cellularphone and the year(s), make(s) and model(s) of the vehicles to be testedand directly communicate the required software to the cellular phone 101or the adaptor at the time of purchase, and thus eliminate the need todial up a central computer to download the required software.

[0058] After the software is downloaded and stored on the cellular phone101, or on the DLC adaptor 130, the user places the DLC adaptor 130 incircuit communication with the vehicle diagnostic system (not shown) byconnecting the DLC 126 to the existing vehicle data link connector 128.Next the user connects the cellular phone 101 to the DLC adaptor 130 byinserting connector 120 into the interface port 220 (FIG. 2) of thecellular phone 101, by inserting the cellular phone 101 into the cradleadaptor 405 (FIG. 4), or by establishing communication in any othermanner. The cellular phone 101 is turned on and the scan tool program isinitiated. The scan tool program may be initiated by selecting theoption on the cellular phone and pressing an input key 108, orautomatically initiated by connecting the cellular phone 101 to the DLCadaptor 130.

[0059] The scan tool 100, including the cellular phone 101 and DLCadaptor 130, 405, establishes the communications link in virtually anyof the known interface methods, e.g. using the method set forth incopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/159,957, publicationnumber US 2003/000463 “Scan Tool with Dropped Communication Detectionand Recovery and Improved Protocol Selection,” which is assigned toActron Manufacturing and which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

[0060] Depending on the intelligence of the DLC adaptor 130, either theprocessor 230 and communications circuitry in the cellular phone 101, orthe processor 320 and communications circuitry 315 in the DLC adaptor130, generate one or more communications protocols with which the scantool 100 and the vehicle computer modules communicate with one-another.The communications circuit can be implemented either in hardware, or insoftware, or in a combination of hardware and software. Typicalcommunications protocols generated by the communication circuit includebut are not limited to: SAE J1850 (VPM), SAE J1850 (PWM), ISO 9141-2,and ISO 14230-4 (“Keyword 2000”). The present invention is not intendedto be limited to any specific communications protocol, or even toelectrical communications protocols. Other present and future protocols,such as fiber optic and wireless communication protocols, are alsocontemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Again, depending on the intelligence level of the adaptor, thediagnostic information received from the vehicle diagnostic system canbe processed in the DLC adaptor 130 circuitry, or in the cellular phone101 circuitry. If the DLC adaptor 130 processes the diagnosticinformation, the information is communicated to the cellular phone 101via the interface circuitry 305 and the interface port 220 in a format,corresponding to the diagnostic information, ready to be viewed on thedisplay 106. If the DLC adaptor 130 is less intelligent, the DLC adaptor130 translates the diagnostic information and communicates theinformation to the cellular phone 101 via the interface circuitry 305and interface port 220 to the processor 230 of the cellular phone 101.The processor 230 processes the information and then displays theinformation to the user on the display 106.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment the cellular phone 101 is configuredto retrieve the diagnostic information from the existing vehiclediagnostic system in any of the methods described above. The cellularphone 101 does not have the scan tool diagnostic software downloaded andstored in its memory 215, nor in the memory of the DLC adaptor 130. Theonly software required in the cellular phone 101 is communicationssoftware for gathering the information from the vehicle diagnosticsystem. The information is communicated by the cellular phone 101 to acentralized station similar to the centralized station 500 shown in FIG.5. The centralized station 600 receives the information and performs thediagnostic analysis and transmits the diagnosis back to the cellularphone 101. The diagnosis can be any type of information, such as agraphical display, a recommended parts list, or instructions on how tocorrect any faults.

[0063] The user can interpret the diagnostic information displayed onthe cellular phone 101, or take the cellular phone 101 to a partssupplier who can look at the data and provide the user with thenecessary parts to correct the fault or error. In addition the user cantransfer or upload the diagnostic information to another computer,either though the telecommunications circuit 235, or through a plug inconnector to a local computer. The information can then be sent to athird party for viewing and/or analyzing.

[0064] While the present invention has been illustrated by thedescription of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have beendescribed in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily apparent tothose skilled in the art. For example, a cellular phone that ispermanently mounted in a vehicle can be equipped with the technology ofthe present invention and perform the functions of the off-board device.Another example is manufacturer installed circuitry in the vehicleconnected to the vehicle data bus, wherein the circuitry automaticallymonitors the vehicle diagnostic system and notifies the vehiclemanufacturer or dealer of any problems. The user simply receives acourtesy call from the dealer to bring the vehicle in for service. Asyet another example, although specific circuitry has been shown for thecellular phone, the present invention is intended to encompass virtuallyany cellular phone circuitry in combination with the adaptor circuitryto implement an off-board device. Therefore, the invention in itsbroader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representativeapparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

I claim:
 1. A device for retrieving diagnostic information from avehicle diagnostic system comprising: a cellular phone characterized bytransmitting and receiving data representing a human voice comprising: afirst processor in circuit communication with a first memory, a display,an input device, a telecommunications circuit, and an interface port;and an adaptor for connecting the cellular phone to the vehiclediagnostic system, the adaptor comprising a second processor, a secondmemory, a communications circuit, and an interface circuit; wherein thecommunications circuit is capable of generating a communicationsprotocol to communicate with the vehicle diagnostic system and iscapable of retrieving diagnostic information from the vehicle diagnosticsystem and communicating the retrieved diagnostic information to thesecond processor, wherein the second processor is capable ofcommunicating diagnostic information to the interface circuit, theinterface circuit is capable of communicating diagnostic information tothe cellular phone, which is capable of at least one of generating adisplay on the cellular phone display corresponding to diagnosticinformation received via the adaptor and transmitting diagnosticinformation received via the adaptor to a remote location.
 2. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the adaptor further comprises a data link connectorto connect the adaptor to the vehicle diagnostic system.
 3. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the second processor processes the diagnosticinformation and communicates the processed diagnostic information fordisplay on the cellular phone.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein thesecond processor communicates unprocessed data to the cellular phone. 5.The device of claim 1 wherein the second processor communicatesprocessed data and unprocessed data to the cellular phone.
 6. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the first memory comprises programming logic todirect the cellular phone to transmit the diagnostic information to aremote location in an unprocessed state.
 7. The device of claim 1wherein the first memory comprises programming logic to direct thecellular phone to transmit the diagnostic information to a remotelocation in a processed state.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein thesecond memory comprises programming logic to enable the second processorto processes the data into human readable form.
 9. The device of claim 1wherein the first memory comprises programming logic to enable the firstprocessor to processes the data into human readable form.
 10. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the cellular phone is a hand held cellular phone. 11.The device of claim 6 wherein the programming logic is software code.12. A device for retrieving diagnostic information from a vehiclediagnostic system comprising: communications circuitry in circuitcommunication with a cellular phone; the cellular phone comprising; afirst processor in circuit communication with a display, a first memory,a telecommunications circuit, a speaker, a microphone; and an interfaceport, wherein the speaker is capable of receiving data representing ahuman voice from one of the first processor and the telecommunicationscircuit, the microphone is capable of transmitting data representing ahuman voice to at least one of the first processor and thetelecommunications circuit, the telecommunications circuit is capable ofcommunicating data representing a human voice and data representingdiagnostic information to a remote location, the display ischaracterized by displaying vehicle diagnostic information received viathe communications circuit from the vehicle diagnostic system.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the interface port is in circuitcommunications with the vehicle diagnostic system through an adaptorthat is configured to connect to the interface port and to connect tothe vehicle diagnostic system.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein theadaptor comprises a data link connector configured to connect to thevehicle diagnostic system.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein theadaptor further comprises a second processor, a second memory andprogramming logic for processing the vehicle diagnostic information intohuman readable form.
 16. The device of claim 12, wherein the firstmemory comprises programming logic to enable the first processor toprocess the vehicle diagnostic information into human readable form. 17.The device of claim 12, wherein the communications circuitry is locatedin the cellular phone.
 18. The device of claim 13, wherein thecommunications circuitry is located in the adaptor.
 19. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the cellular phone is a hand held cellular phone. 20.A device for retrieving diagnostic information from a vehicle diagnosticsystem and for testing a starter/charger system comprising: a cellularphone having a display, the cellular phone in circuit communication withan adaptor, wherein the adaptor is configured to selectively connect toat least one of a vehicle diagnostic system, a starter/charger systemand a battery, wherein the adaptor is further configured to at least oneof retrieve data from the vehicle diagnostic system, test thestarter/charger system and test the battery, and communicate at leastone of the data retrieved from the vehicle, a result of thestarter/charger system test, and a result of a battery test to thedisplay on the cellular phone.
 21. A device for retrieving diagnosticinformation from a vehicle diagnostic system comprising: a cellularphone having a display, and an adaptor; wherein the cellular phone is incircuit communications with the adaptor, the adaptor is in circuitcommunications with the vehicle diagnostic system, placing the cellularphone in circuit communications with the vehicle diagnostic system andat least one of the cellular phone and the adaptor are capable ofgenerating a communications protocol to communicate with the vehiclediagnostic system and receive diagnostic information.
 22. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the at least one of the adaptor and cellular phonefurther comprises a processor, memory, and programming logic forprocessing the diagnostic information into human readable form.
 23. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein the cellular phone comprises a firstprocessor and a first memory wherein the first memory comprisesprogramming logic to enable the processor to retrieve diagnosticinformation.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the first memorycomprises programming logic to enable the processor to process thediagnostic information into human readable form.
 25. The device of claim21, wherein the adaptor comprises a second processor and a second memorywherein the second memory comprises programming logic to enable theprocessor to retrieve diagnostic information.
 26. The device of claim25, wherein the second memory comprises programming logic to enable theprocessor to process the diagnostic information into human readableform.
 27. The device of claim 21, wherein the adaptor further comprisesa data link connector for establishing circuit communications betweenthe adaptor and the vehicle diagnostic system.
 28. The device of claim21, wherein the cellular phone is a hand held cellular phone.
 29. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein the cellular phone is attached to thevehicle.
 30. The device of claim 21, wherein the adaptor is anunintelligent device used to connect the cellular phone to the vehiclediagnostic system.
 31. A device for retrieving diagnostic informationfrom a vehicle diagnostic system comprising: a cellular phone, means forestablishing circuit communications between the cellular phone and thevehicle diagnostic system; and means for displaying the diagnosticinformation.
 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the means forestablishing circuit communications between the cellular phone and thevehicle diagnostic system comprises an adaptor configured to establishcircuit communications from an interface port of the cellular phone andthe adaptor is configured to establish circuit communications with thevehicle diagnostic system.
 33. The device of claim 32, wherein theadaptor comprises a data link connector for establishing circuitcommunications with the vehicle diagnostic system.
 34. The device ofclaim 32, wherein the adaptor comprises a processor for generating thecommunications protocol to communicate with the vehicle diagnosticsystem and retrieve diagnostic data.
 35. The device of claim 31, whereinthe means for displaying the diagnostic information is a display locatedon the cellular phone.
 36. The device of claim 31, wherein the means fordisplaying the diagnostic information is a device in a remote location,wherein the cellular phone transmits the data to the remote location.37. A method of retrieving diagnostic information from a vehiclediagnostic system comprising: establishing circuit communicationsbetween a cellular phone and the vehicle diagnostic system: andretrieving diagnostic information to the cellular phone from the vehiclediagnostic system.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein establishingcircuit communications between a cellular phone and the vehiclediagnostic system further comprises establishing circuit communicationsbetween the cellular phone and an adaptor and establishing circuitcommunications between the adaptor and the vehicle diagnostic system.39. The method of claim 37, further comprising transmitting the vehiclediagnostic information to a remote location.
 40. The method of claim 37,further comprising processing the diagnostic information into a humanreadable form.
 41. The method of claim 38, further comprising plugging adata link connector into a connector that is connected to the vehiclediagnostic system to establish circuit communications between theadaptor and the vehicle diagnostic system.
 42. The method of claim 37,further comprising communicating with a remote computer and downloadingprogramming software to memory in the cellular phone.
 43. The method ofclaim 38, further comprising communicating with a remote computer anddownloading programming software to memory in one of the cellular phoneand the adaptor.
 44. A device for retrieving diagnostic information froma vehicle diagnostic system comprising: a cellular phone capable oftransmitting and receiving data representing a human voice comprising;input keys 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0 arranged in three columnsand four rows, a first processor in circuit communication with, aspeaker, a microphone, a first memory, a display, a telecommunicationscircuit, an interface port the input keys; and an adaptor for connectingthe cellular phone to the vehicle diagnostic system, the adaptorcomprising; a connector for placing the adaptor in circuitcommunications with the cellular phone, a second processor in circuitcommunication with, the connector, a second memory, a communicationscircuit, an interface circuit, and a cable for placing the adaptor incircuit communications with the vehicle diagnostic system, wherein thecommunications circuit is capable of generating a communicationsprotocol to communicate with the vehicle diagnostic system and iscapable of retrieving diagnostic information from the vehicle diagnosticsystem and communicating the retrieved diagnostic information to thesecond processor, wherein the second processor is capable ofcommunicating diagnostic information to the interface circuit, theinterface circuit is capable of communicating diagnostic information tothe cellular phone, which is capable of at least one of generating adisplay on the cellular phone display corresponding to diagnosticinformation received via the adaptor and transmitting diagnosticinformation received via the adaptor to a remote location.
 45. Thedevice of claim 44 wherein the second processor processes the diagnosticinformation and communicates the processed diagnostic information fordisplay on the cellular phone.
 46. The device of claim 44 wherein thesecond processor communicates unprocessed data to the cellular phone.47. The device of claim 44 wherein the second processor communicatesprocessed data and unprocessed data to the cellular phone.
 48. A batterytesting device comprising: a cellular phone in circuit communicationwith an adaptor, and a Kelvin type connector, connectable to a battery,placing the cellular phone and adaptor in circuit communication with thebattery.
 49. A testing device for obtaining diagnostic informationrelative to an automobile and obtaining diagnostic information relativeto the condition of a battery comprising: a cellular phone in circuitcommunication with an adaptor; wherein the adaptor is configured toplace the cellular phone in circuit communication with at least one of avehicle diagnostic system, and a battery.